On October 27, 2024 at approximately 7:27pm, 3 District (Welland/Fonthill) uniform officers with the Niagara Regional Police Service attended the area of McAlpine Avenue and Lincoln Street in the City of Welland for reports of a shooting.

Investigation revealed a male attended the area and fired multiple gunshots at a residence at this location.  
 
There were no injuries as a result. 

Jacob O'Neal (36 years old) of Port Colborne was arrested and charged with the following offences:
  • Discharge Firearm into/at a place in a reckless manner 
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm 
  • Possession of a firearm knowing it's possession is unauthorized 
  • Careless use of a firearm
  • Possession of a firearm for a dangerous purpose 
  • Possession of a weapon contrary to prohibition order (2 Counts)
  • Breach of probation (2 Counts)
  • Fail to comply with release order 
O'Neal was held in custody pending a bail hearing that is expected to take place on October 28, 2024 at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines.  

Detectives have reason to believe this was a targeted shooting. 
Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009395.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.  Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

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